Freddie Mercury’s legendary piano sold at auction for more than two million euros
On August 3, 2023, the piano that gave birth to Freddie Mercury’s greatest hits was sold at an auction at Sotheby’s in London. This emblematic instrument, on which the singer of Queen composed the majority of his work, was sold for the record sum of 1.742 million pounds sterling, or approximately two million euros.
This Yamaha quarter tail became an indispensable element in the creative life of Freddie Mercury starting with the recording of “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Acquired for just a thousand pounds in 1975, the piano experienced a meteoric rise, becoming a witness to the timeless melodies that have marked the history of music.
In addition to the piano, other objects belonging to Freddie Mercury also attracted the attention of collectors during this exceptional sale. The original manuscript of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, containing the fifteen pages of thoughts and words written in pencil and ballpoint pen, was sold for an impressive £1.3 million.
Queen fans also snapped up proofs of iconic songs such as ‘We Are The Champions’ and ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, which fetched £317,000 respectively. In all, the auction raised more than £12 million, far exceeding initial estimates.
In addition to the value of the items put up for sale, this auction was also marked by the emotion and passion of Freddie Mercury fans. An aspiring lookalike of the singer could be seen in the room, as well as a fan wearing a copy of the artist’s famous multi-colored satin jacket.
Beyond the financial aspect, this sale represents a true tribute to the legacy left by Freddie Mercury. His piano, whose notes have resonated in the hearts of millions of fans around the world, thus becomes a symbol of his creativity and talent.
Ultimately, this auction allowed fans and collectors to get their hands on unique items that belonged to one of music’s greatest legends. It’s also an opportunity to pay homage to the artist and perpetuate his legacy, because as one Brazilian buyer points out, “Freddie Mercury belongs to the world.”